Overview of File-AID for IMS/ISPF

File-AID for IMS/ISPF is an interactive full-screen product designed for use by Application Programmers/Analysts and Database Administrators, and Production Support Personnel.

File-AID for IMS/ISPF enables easy access and data manipulation within IMS databases. The databases can be browsed or edited in any of the following modes directly under TSO/ISPF:

  • Formatted using COBOL or PL/I segment layouts
  • Unformatted in hexadecimal
  • In hierarchical sequence with one segment per screen line

Related topics

Key-features-of-File-AID-for-IMS-ISPF

Working-with-File-AID-for-IMS-ISPF

Available-commands-in-File-AID-for-IMS-ISPF

File-AID for IMS/ISPF runs as a single dialog under ISPF and requires absolutely no modification to IMS, TSO, ISPF, or any other existing software.

File-AID for IMS/FLEX is a general purpose IMS database manipulation tool for use by business professionals involved in modifying or reporting on the contents of IMS database. File-AID for IMS/FLEX extends the capabilities of File-AID for IMS to the MVS batch environment.

File-AID for IMS/FLEX simplifies the maintenance of IMS databases by using existing Data Base Descriptions (DBDs); existing or dynamic Program Specification Blocks (PSBs); and COBOL, PL/I, or DL/I segment layouts, without modification, to manipulate databases. Because File-AID for IMS/FLEX is built upon File-AID for IMS, it provides industrial strength editing capabilities while maintaining the system integrity and providing the auditing capability that users have come to expect from the File-AID name.

File-AID for IMS/FLEX is controlled by an easy-to-use and extremely powerful command set. File-AID for IMS/FLEX allows users to quickly and accurately select the data they desire and then allows them to print or modify that data. Users may also output the concatenated keys of the desired segments for later use as input.

Depending on system resource availability, plan to spend from one to five hours to install File-AID for IMS/ISPF.

Important

Options 1 and 2 on the File-AID for IMS/ISPF Primary Option Menu invoke the database editor under TSO/ISPF. Your installation may have chosen not to license this editor, substituting the File-AID for IMS/DC or File-AID for IMS/CICS database editor instead. If so, Options 1 and 2 are not installed and are not available from the File-AID for IMS/ISPF menu.

Certain topics can be skipped when Options 1 and 2 are not installed. These are noted where applicable. File-AID for IMS/ISPF must be installed prior to the installation of File-AID for IMS/DC or File-AID for IMS/CICS.

This section highlights the key features of File-AID for IMS/ISPF, describes how to invoke File-AID for IMS/ISPF, summarizes the primary options, and covers several other introductory topics.

This section provides information about the following topics:

 

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